Clearer Technology Decisions Start Here
8:00 AM
September 9
St. Paul, MN
A welcoming day of learning and connection for Twin Cities business and technology leaders.
Microsoft • Lenovo • Modern IT • Cybersecurity • Practical AI • and more
Technology decisions rarely fit into just one category. The Sovran Summit brings together speakers with experience in AI strategy, cybersecurity, business resilience, risk management, and critical infrastructure. They’ll share practical perspectives to help you understand what deserves attention now, where new opportunities are emerging, and how your organization can move forward with greater confidence.
More speakers, sessions, and event partners will be announced as the summit approaches.
Use the time between sessions to meet the speakers, talk with event partners, and compare notes with other attendees. You’ll leave with new contacts as well as new ideas.
Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer | Iternal
Bestselling Author | The AI Strategy Blueprint
John Byron Hanby IV John Byron Hanby IV helps organizations move beyond the excitement surrounding AI and develop a practical plan for using it. As the founder and CEO of Iternal Technologies and author of The AI Strategy Blueprint, he focuses on helping leaders connect AI adoption with real business needs and long-term goals.
Included with Your Ticket
Every registered attendee will receive a complimentary copy of The AI Strategy Blueprint. John will also be available to sign books during the summit.
Cybersecurity Evangelist | Acronis
Member | FBI InfraGard
Steve Brining brings more than 25 years of cybersecurity experience across technology companies including Acronis, McAfee, BeyondTrust, and PatchLink. He helps organizations better understand a changing threat landscape and the steps they can take to strengthen security and resilience. His perspective connects cybersecurity with data protection, compliance, and business continuity so leaders can prepare for risk without losing sight of their larger goals.
Cybersecurity & Risk Lead | Point Solutions Group
Senior Member | International Society of Automation
Paul Veeneman has more than 28 years of experience across IT and operational technology cybersecurity, risk, and compliance. His work has supported organizations across critical infrastructure and other complex industries. Paul brings a practical perspective on aligning security with operations, improving visibility, and making informed decisions that support both immediate needs and long-term objectives.
Sovran helps businesses and nonprofits make IT simpler, more secure, and more strategic. Based in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Sovran provides managed IT services, cybersecurity and compliance support, cloud and data services, and practical technology guidance for organizations throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
The CISA Group is a cybersecurity assessment company that helps organizations improve security, meet compliance requirements, and reduce risk in a changing threat environment. Their team supports organizations through cybersecurity consulting, risk assessment, and compliance guidance, with expertise across standards such as CMMC, PCI DSS, HITRUST, HIPAA, GDPR, and NIST.
SecureLife by Synaptech helps high-exposure individuals protect their privacy, security, reputation, and family from targeted digital threats. Their team provides discreet, personal security support through services such as digital footprint audits, data broker suppression, device and account security, home and travel protection, identity monitoring, deepfake and impersonation defense, takedown support, and incident response.
Based in Minnesota, Blue Ox Websites & Marketing provides website design and development, secure hosting, ongoing maintenance, updates, and practical support to keep websites running smoothly over time. Their team also helps businesses promote their services through marketing strategy, content, SEO, and digital campaigns that connect the right message with the right audience.
The 2026 Sovran Summit will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 411 Minnesota St., in St. Paul, MN, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The venue offers a convenient location for attendees traveling from the Twin Cities metro, greater Minnesota, and the Upper Midwest.
Tickets are $59.48 and include continental breakfast, lunch, and a complimentary copy of John Byron Hanby IV’s No. 1 Amazon bestseller, The AI Strategy Blueprint. The event is scheduled from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If the ticket form doesn’t load, register directly through Eventbrite.
Who should attend the summit?
The Sovran Summit is designed for Twin Cities business and technology leaders who help shape how their organizations use, support, secure, and plan for technology. You don’t need a technical title or background to take part.
Is the summit only about AI or cybersecurity?
No. AI and cybersecurity are part of the program, alongside Microsoft, Lenovo, workplace technology, devices, productivity, compliance, business continuity, and broader technology planning.
Is the summit technical, strategic, or both?
Both. Some sessions will explore technical subjects in more depth. Others will focus on leadership, planning, operations, risk, and decision-making. Attendees can choose the conversations that best match their roles and priorities.
What will I leave with?
You’ll leave with clearer questions to ask, ideas you can bring back to your organization, new contacts, and more confidence about the technology decisions ahead.
Will there be time for networking?
Yes. The schedule will include time to meet speakers, talk with event partners, and connect with other attendees.
Will meals be provided?
Continental breakfast and lunch are included.
Is there a hotel block for attendees?
A small block of rooms is available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Paul Downtown.
Are sponsorship opportunities available?
A limited number of exhibitor tables are available, with space for up to 20 organizations. Contact Sovran to learn more about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Reach out via our main contact form.
